Endymion is a hunter and the king of Elis who is loved by the moon goddess Selene. He was the son Aithlios and Kalyke he also founds the city of Elis with the aid of some Aeolian colonists from thessaly. Eventually Endymion becomes a shepherd in Caria where he mets goddess Selene the two fall in love. Over the years Endymion is given a vision about his death, so he has his three sons race against one another, and the winer will claim his father's throne. Knowing that Endymion is mortal and knowing that he will die Selene asks Zeus to make Endymion immortal and to give him eternal youth.
Zeus grants Selene's wish, as Endymion is placed in an eternal slumber. He is placed on Mount Latmus where the Titaness Selene comes to visit him every night.